'Classic' Ann Landers: Son caught with weed is in predicament

Sunday

Jun 8, 2014 at 10:00 AM

Editor's Note: Hundreds of Ann Landers' loyal readers have requested that newspapers continue to publish her columns. These letters originally appeared in 1999.

DEAR ANN LANDERS: A co-worker in my office told me she wanted to see a Broadway show. I have a friend, "Harry," who gets tickets for me. This co-worker (I'll call her "Mary") asked whether he could get her two good seats. She gave me the money, and I paid for the tickets. When I handed them to Mary, she said the seats weren't very good and asked for her money back. I called Harry and asked whether I could get a refund. He said, "Sorry, no. It's too late."

To keep the peace, I gave Mary her money back out of my own pocket, even though I really couldn't afford it. Am I wrong to feel cheated, or was Mary right to make me take the loss on the tickets? Please respond in the paper. - NAMELESS IN N.J.

DEAR N.J.: Mary treated you shabbily. If she asks you again to get tickets from Harry, I hope you tell her, "Sorry, no" - and stick to it.

DEAR ANN LANDERS: I just got a phone call from my son. He said, "I've been arrested for possession of marijuana with intent to distribute." I knew he had used marijuana on occasion, but I'm sure he never tried to sell it. A lawyer told me if someone is caught with marijuana, chances are the police will add "intent to distribute," even in the absence of supporting evidence. The accusation of intent changes the crime from a misdemeanor to a felony.

Ann, my son is a good kid who attends college and has a part-time job. He didn't hurt anyone. He didn't steal anything. He didn't cheat anybody. He was caught with marijuana for his own personal use, and for this, he could get 30 years in prison.

He has never gotten so much as a parking ticket.

I don't approve of smoking grass, nor do I approve of smoking cigarettes or drinking alcohol. But this punishment seems excessive. I can't help but think of the thousands of families who have suffered this same horror. These harsh laws hurt us all. People who criminalize marijuana believe users are dangerous addicts in dark trench coats, lurking near playgrounds, ready to pounce on young children.

I plead for compassion for those who are hurting only themselves when they use dangerous substances. What they need is counseling and medical intervention, not prison. Harsh laws don't work. Furthermore, it costs us a fortune in taxes to prosecute and incarcerate people who pose no danger to society. Enough. - A SAD MOTHER IN VA.

DEAR SAD MOTHER: I'm sad about your son's predicament. If the police added "intent to distribute" without real evidence, your son will need the help of a competent lawyer who can get those charges dismissed.

I have long believed the laws regarding marijuana are too harsh. Those who keep pot for their own personal use should not be treated as criminals. Thirty years in prison makes no sense whatsoever. I'm with you.

What's the truth about pot, cocaine, LSD, PCP, crack, speed and downers? "The Lowdown on Dope" has information on drugs. Send a self-addressed, long, business-sized envelope and a check or money order for $5 (this includes postage and handling) to: Creators Syndicate, 737 3rd Street, Hermosa Beach, CA 90254.